One year ago today, the gravelly-voiced front man for legendary rap duo Gang Starr, a group formed alongside DJ Premier, Keith “Guru” Elam passed away at the age of 48 due to complications following a cardiac arrest.

Guru's death sent shockwaves throughout the hip hop community, sparking many fitting tributes dedicated to Guru’s valuable musical contributions over the years. For fans of Guru, his death continues to serve as a grim reminder of mortality and also how fragile our existences can be.

The Boston native began his foray into rap in 1985, culminating in a series of singles with an early incarnation of Gang Starr in 1987, all produced by the celebrated DJ Mark The 45 King. Fittingly however in April of 1989, the Gang Starr posse whittled down some members with Guru and Texas native DJ Premier remaining in front and thus released the critically acclaimed No More Mr. Nice Guy LP. Read more...